Parshat Lech-Lecha 5785
We make assumptions about others based on what we see: what they wear, what they drive, their work, past-times… And we project upon the other who passes our superficial entrance exam what we want them to be — i.e., more like us!
Breath (Yizkor KN5785)
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Can You Hear Me (KN 5785)
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Yom Kippur Singing
My recent posts...Over the decades, I have composed melodies for some of the texts we use in our prayer services. (I've written English interpretations of the texts for a few of them.) Some of them are posted here so we can sing them together at Shirat Hayam and, even...
Away | Not Away
Ah, the liberty (and encouragement and support) of sabbatical — to indulge, to immerse in family, art, reading, learning. Without needing to respond to emails or phone calls for this short month.
This gracious period of exploration and rejuvenation is also an opportunity to review my first seven years as rabbi. Not dissimilarly from how many view this Covid era, I get to consider what has changed and what a “new normal” could or should look like.
It also reminds me that a wish list is just that — aspirational. I am making some progress on a number of projects, and, halfway through this sabbatical, I’m shifting toward choosing one to finish, or at least to bring mighty close to completion!
Being away has its down sides, among them not participating in short-notice life cycle events or in planned community gatherings. One example is the recent Atlantic City city hall celebration of the 113th anniversary of the NAACP’s founding. I couldn’t be there; however, I submitted the following remarks to be included in the commemoration:
Greetings!
A bedrock principle of the NAACP is that every child, every student, deserves access to great teaching, equitable resources, and a safe learning environment.
W. E. B. Du Bois, a founder of the NAACP, declared: “No state is civilized which has citizens too ignorant to help rule it.”
Curiously and distressingly, education is under attack, along with assaults on freedom of thought. In some states, books are being banned, ideas outlawed.
Du Bois wrote that “Children learn more from what you are than what you teach.” Our children are learning the wrong things from what parts of America are becoming.
The NAACP is fighting the erosion of education — and, therefore, democracy — for Blacks and other minorities, indeed, for ALL Americans!
Du Bois’ words resound: “It is today that our best work can be done, and not some future day or future year.”
Let us congratulate the NAACP for 113 years of good hard work, and today, let us join with the NAACP to help accomplish its best work yet.
The 18th century rabbi, Nachman of Bratslav, taught: “The world is a narrow bridge; of utmost importance is to not be afraid.”
Let us hold hands with the NAACP as we cross the bridge together!
Particularly in these parlous times, we need to strengthen our connections and commitments.
Shabbat shalom ! שבת שלום